Use of ChatGPT and other AI chatbots has skyrocketed in Denmark, with 72% of the population trying them at least once and nearly one-third using them weekly or more. However, researchers warn this rapid adoption to use of chatbots in Denmark may come with cognitive costs.
Usage of AI Chatbots in Denmark Surges
In less than three years since ChatGPT entered the market in November 2022, AI chatbots have quickly become part of everyday life for Danes. A new national survey by analysis firm Megafon for TV 2 reveals that 72% of adult Danes have used ChatGPT or similar AI chatbots at least once, and approximately 1 in 3 use them multiple times a week or even daily.
The most widely used chatbot, ChatGPT, dominates the Danish market with an 82% share, far surpassing competitors like Copilot, Perplexity, Gemni, and Deepseek. This widespread usage has caught experts off guard with the speed and intensity of its adoption across the country.
Danes Embrace Technology That Adapts to Their Needs
According to researchers, Denmark’s strong digital infrastructure and public openness to technological innovations created fertile ground for rapid AI adoption. For years, Danes have relied on the internet for information, and AI-powered chatbots now offer even more tailored answers, formatted in natural, understandable language.
The ability of platforms like ChatGPT to personalize and simplify complex responses makes them appealing across demographics. From young adults drafting cover letters to retirees exploring alternatives to traditional search engines, users across age groups report integrating chatbots into both personal and professional tasks.
Expectations Set for Continued Growth
According to the Megafon study, 69% of Danish users expect their use of ChatGPT and similar platforms to increase in the coming year. Enthusiasm for AI’s everyday usefulness appears to be strong, with common use cases ranging from language assistance and school assignments to recipe inspiration, research, and more.
However, while adoption trends continue their upward trajectory, researchers are beginning to raise red flags about the potential side effects of over-reliance on AI chatbots.
Experts Warn of Cognitive Risks of Usage of Chatbots in Denmark
AI researchers from Danish institutions are increasingly concerned that our reliance on chatbots may impair cognitive functions, particularly for younger users who use ChatGPT to handle complex academic or problem-solving tasks. Though still in early stages, recent studies indicate potential downsides to frequent and uncritical use.
A research study published in preprint form by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2025 examined the effects of AI on cognitive performance. The study involved brain scans of 54 American university students, divided into three groups: one used no technological tools, one used traditional search engines, and one used ChatGPT for various writing tasks.
AI Use Results in Lower Brain Activity
The results showed that students using ChatGPT exhibited significantly lower brain activity during writing tasks compared to those using Google or no tools at all. Furthermore, the same group demonstrated poorer content recall and lower creativity in their essays, suggesting diminished engagement with the material.
Interestingly, when students who had previously written assignments without help later used ChatGPT, they performed better than those who started with ChatGPT and then had to switch to traditional tools. This indicates that while AI can be helpful, it works best when users already understand the topic or have practiced independent critical thinking.
Limited Research, Growing Concern
Despite the promising capabilities of AI tools, universities and researchers have stressed the need for more data on how AI affects our brains socially, cognitively, and culturally. Many aspects of these technologies remain unstudied.
Some experts draw parallels with the early internet era, when the benefits of instant access to information came with unforeseen consequences. Similar to how harmful content became more accessible online, AI tools could inadvertently enable shortcuts that discourage deep thinking and reflection.
A Need for Balance and Caution in Usage of Chatbots in Denmark
Both researchers and educators agree that chatbots should be approached with caution, especially in educational contexts. AI can serve as a powerful learning aid, but only when paired with active mental engagement. Relying solely on AI to complete tasks may hinder intellectual development and encourage mental laziness.
As Denmark continues its embrace of AI in everyday life, the conversation is shifting toward how to ensure these tools are used responsibly and thoughtfully—enhancing rather than replacing the human capacity to think, create, and learn.
